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It could take a decade or longer before a vaccine is available (Picture: Reuters)

The first case of the Zika virus acquired through sexual transmission has been confirmed.

The patient, from Dallas, Texas, reportedly had sexual contact with an individual who had recently returned from a country where Zika was present and had contracted the virus.

Until now, it was thought the virus was only transmitted by mosquitoes, although there was some speculation it may be sexually-transmitted as well.

‘Now that we know Zika virus can be transmitted through sex, this increases our awareness campaign in educating the public about protecting themselves and others,’ said Zachary Thompson, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services.